So that's what Austin thought about all day. By the time he went home Saturday, he knew Dare would already be at Wild Side.
The next morning, he got up early again. Austin went for a jog and then headed for the center. He was able to shower and get dressed there. He was still avoiding Dare. It wasn't as though he didn't know that, but all his thoughts were still a jumble in his head. He was caught between being hurt that Dare denied him, and the knowledge that his friend was right-because what if it somehow fucked up their friendship? No one knew him the way Dare did and even though he didn't know the specifics about Dare's life, Austin was smart enough to know he knew Dare better than anyone else too.
At their usual movie time, Austin started the popcorn. They hadn't spoken since Friday night, which was unheard of for them. They normally spoke daily. He had to believe Dare would still come. He'd come and they'd watch whatever movie Dare picked out for them. Dare would love it, Austin would roll his eyes through it and pretend he hated it, and they'd laugh and tease each other like they always did.
Still, that voice was in the back of his head, What if he didn't come?
Just as Austin pulled the popcorn off the stove, his back to the door, he heard it softly open behind him.
"Please tell me you didn't burn the popcorn."
Austin closed his eyes and smiled. His chest felt lighter than it had in days. His head clearer. They were okay. He knew he'd needed that, but hadn't known just how much until that moment.
CHAPTER FOUR
Dare's movie choice was actually a good one. Austin couldn't let him know that, of course, but Point Break was one of his favorites.
In the back of his mind, he thought Dare had to know that. He must have told his friend at some point but he couldn't remember.
"You know, in some ways, this is us," Dare told him about halfway through the movie.
"Huh?" Austin turned to look at him.
"I'm Bodhi, obviously, and you're Johnny. The straight-laced guy and the crazy motherfucker. Works perfectly."
"Minus the guns, being a police officer and bank robbing, of course," Austin told him.
"Do you want to rob a bank? We should rob a bank. That would be fun."
Austin laughed, and Dare nudged him, and he thought more and more that Dare had chosen this movie for a reason. Because he knew Austin liked it. Maybe he knew that Austin had this burning urge low in his gut to bust out of his shell. In a way, that's what Johnny had done, though Austin hoped his didn't end in bank robberies, bloodshed and Dare surfing into the world's biggest wave.
"I'm also not as hot as Keanu. Jesus, he's fucking hot," Austin said trying to keep the mood light.
"Shut up. You're sexy as hell. Keanu is sexy, don't get me wrong, but you are too. The quiet, smart, ginger. It's every man's fucking dream."
Okay, well that felt good to hear. He hadn't been fishing for compliments, and Dare was no doubt lying his ass off because while Austin thought he was an attractive man, he was no Keanu Reeves.
They were quiet again as the movie played in the background. Austin needed to say something. He'd apologize for the kiss and then they'd forget it ever happened. "I was drunk and feeling like shit. I didn't mean to kiss you."
Dare cocked a brown eyebrow at him. "How do you kiss someone by accident?"
Austin shook his head and smiled. "Smartass. You know what I mean."
"Don't worry about it," Dare replied. "It was a good kiss. I especially liked it when you sucked on my bottom lip. I usually like a little teeth-just a small nibble-but it was still fucking hot."
A tingle started at the base of Austin's spine and traveled up. He shivered, fucking shivered, even though he felt warm. He'd wanted Dare to enjoy the kiss.
That wasn't all that he felt, though. It was there, buried deep, hiding in the marrow of his bones, a quiet desire to do it again. This time he would nibble Dare's lip, open his pants-Jesus Christ. What the fuck was wrong with him? He wanted Dare. How could he suddenly want Dare?
"You look like you're going to throw up." Dare leaned back. "You're pale. I mean, you're always pale but you're even paler than you usually are. What'd I do?"
"Nothing." Austin shook his head vigorously. He probably looked like a wet dog trying to dry off. The frown on Dare's full lips said his thoughts were close on target, but hell, he needed to get those thoughts right the fuck out of his brain. He couldn't want Dare. It was a tragedy waiting to happen.